Odor molecules reach the olfactory area in two ways: the orthonasal pathway and the retronasal pathway. Orthonasal is about inhaling odor molecules, while retronasal is more about taking odor molecules from the back of the mouth. Smells are perceived differently as orthonasal and retronasal. Looking at the literature; In the comparison of orthonasal and retronasal perception, there are studies supporting that the intensity of perception of the retronasal is lower and the threshold of retronasal is higher than that of the midnasal. This information to us; It is normal to think that odor molecules that go to different paths go through different processing processes.
Taste and odor perception affect each other, as well as taste stimuli affect the swallowing reflex. Retronasal odor perception is related to taste and food intake during swallowing. Food intake is related to swallowing. Retronasal stimulation is confused with taste as it occurs during food intake. The general aim of the study, which is the starting point of this article; The aim of this study is to examine the effect of orthonasal and retronasal odor stimulation on the frequency and duration of swallowing.
Fifty non-smokers of the 57 screened individuals participated in the study (we know that cigarettes affect taste and smell). There are three general scopes in the study: olfactory stimulation, taste stimulation, and recording of swallowing. Smell functions with a screening test called 'Sniffin Sticks'; Taste was determined with above-threshold solutions. The odor stimulant was vanillin and olfactometer was used for odor stimulation. Glucose was used for taste stimulation and flavoring; The gap between the participant's tooth and cheek remained throughout the process. Swallowing was recorded with an ultrasound image of the floor of the mouth. Swallowing delay and typical tongue movements were noted during swallowing.
As a result; Orthonasal stimuli were recorded more intensely than retronasal stimuli (a conclusion that supports studies in the literature). According to the swallowing record; During retronasal olfactory stimulation, the participants performed the act of swallowing earlier. Frequency of swallowing was recorded more during retronasal stimulation.
The general conclusion drawn from this study is that retronasal olfactory stimulus positively affects swallowing frequency and duration of swallowing. it is dict. It is not clear, however, that orthonasal olfactory stimulation exerts such an effect. Moreover; The knowledge of “the axons of the nerves of taste and initiation of swallowing terminate in the nucleus tractus solitaria” became more meaningful as the findings obtained from the study were based on the central nervous system. With all this information to be evaluated from a clinical perspective; Retronasal olfactory stimulation may play an important role in the treatment of patients with swallowing disorders.
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